Medical assistants graduate from St. Mary’s Health System

LEWISTON — St. Mary’s Health System recently recognized 19 local students for completion of their medical assistant classes. Instructor Mariann Gowell welcomed administrators, staff, family, friends and community partners for the presentation of certificates. Brittany Blais, St. Mary’s talent acquisition partner, also shared remarks and thanked partners for making the program possible.

Students successfully completed a fast-paced, condensed curriculum offering training to assist physicians with the clinical responsibilities of a medical office. The program included 140 hours of classroom/lab training with routine lab procedures, phlebotomy, EKG, diagnostic testing, and the like.

Following the classwork, students complete an externship schedule of 160 hours. Many students also earned a WorkReady certificate covering effective workplace communication techniques, resume and interviewing skills, conflict resolution, teamwork and other important soft skills.

This St. Mary’s employer-driven project was made possible through the collaborative support and grant funding provided by Western Maine Community Action, Bureau of Employment Services/Competitive Skills Scholarship Program, and Gray/New Gloucester Adult Education. The combined curriculum empowers students with the skills and knowledge essential to the specific job field. “This graduation class is not only the result of the students’ dedication but also a prime example of train-to-work where business, education and workforce development collaborate,” said Patti Saarinen, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act site coordinator, WMCA – Lewiston CareerCenter. “The integration of education and training is a best-practice model for success.”

“St. Mary’s Health System is proud of the success of the students who have completed this course,” Blais added. “It was a wonderful opportunity that will, hopefully, fulfill our need for qualified medical assistants and allow these students an opportunity to grow professionally in a rewarding career. We are very appreciative of the efforts all parties contributed to make this successful and wish the best of luck to these students.”

Photo caption:
Recent graduates and other participants of St. Mary’s Health System medical assistant classes are, front row, from left, Marie Blessing, Audrey Condon, Dancile Nshimirimana, Francis Nguyen, Kassandra Hebert, Katie Hamilton, Darcy Goyette and Mary Ann Gowell, instructor. Second row,Jessica Biron, Dinah Morris, Tracy Crossman, Sandra Barnich, Trisha Newcomb, Justine Gray, Lori Adkins, Melissa Dalton, Kelsa Brennan, Kayla Caron and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act site coordinator Patti Saarinen, Western Maine Community Action – Lewiston CareerCenter. In back, Paula Bolduc, Julian Kirouac, Brittany Wilkins, Miranda Hutchinson and Cathy Stairs, WMCA employment and training specialist.